Aged

- Hi. - Hey. How's it going?

Good.

Any trouble finding the place?

Just a little.

Well, thanks for coming.

I'm so sorry I asked to meet you so soon.

And specifically at a coffee shop.

You're probably wondering why.

This is the only thing that helps me stay awake.

I'm the only one taking care of her.

That's okay.

I understand. I just...

didn't have a lot of time to get ready, so I look like a mess.

It's okay.

I hope I don't come across as too desperate,

but honestly, I am.

I've been taking care of my mother for years.

I don't even remember how long it's been.

What did you say was wrong with her again?

Dementia.

It just came with old age.

And then it got worse and worse.

At first, she would just forget little things

like dates and places.

And then it progressed.

Now, sometimes she doesn't even know who I am.

It can be pretty harsh.

I can't even imagine being in that position.

It must be really hard.

Yeah, it's rough.

So why has it been so hard

finding someone to take care of her?

My mom's a handful.

She's just very picky about the people she chooses, and

I just want the best for her.

But between the constant stress

and being away from home for months on end,

everyone just quits.

What do you mean “being away from home”?

Someone to be with her 24/7.

Living at the house.

I would hate for her to get hurt

or something to happen

to her when she was alone.

Yeah,

of course.

I understand.

You wouldn't want to do this full time.

It would be stupid of me to ask that of you.

It would be only temporary

until we find someone else.

Look, Mr. Bloom, I don’t know

if this is the kind of job that I'd be willing to take right now.

It's nothing against you. I just...

I don't think I can do this kind of work.

I'm in a desperate situation, Ms. Gray.

I'll pay anything.

At least for a little while.

To have someone I could trust

to know she's safe.

When Steve recommended you,

I knew I could trust you.

Just think about it.

Please.

Hello? - Hey, Mom.

I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving.

They got here a little bit earlier than I expected.

What? Already?

I thought you were leaving at 12.

No, I know. I thought they were.

They just got here a little bit early.

Can't they just wait a bit longer?

No, it's fine.

I'll call you later, okay?

Okay.

I love you. Okay.

I love you, too. Bye.

Need any help?

Got it. Thanks.

You didn't have to lie to her.

You don't know my mom.

She worries too much.

I can wait for her if it'll give her some peace of mind.

No, that's okay.

We can go.

Listen, Ms. Gray,

it's not going to be that bad.

Really.

It's not the fancy job you told your mom about. But...

we're going to take care of you.

And I didn't mean for it to sound like that.

I do appreciate the opportunity.

And I appreciate you coming.

I really do.

But at least for my mom's sake.

Try and enjoy yourself.

Are you okay?

Welcome to our humble home.

C’mon, c’mon.

It's a little dustier than I like, but I'm sure that will change soon.

Absolutely.

It is just about lunchtime.

I'm sure Mrs. Bloom will be anxious to meet you.

Are you ready to meet her?

It would be my pleasure.

I'll be right back.

Hi, Mrs. Bloom. I'm Veronica.

Mom, this is Miss Gray. She'll be your new caregiver.

You'll have to forgive me, Miss Gray.

I have not been feeling very well.

No need to apologize, Mrs. Bloom.

It's such a pleasure to finally meet you.

I've heard so much about you.

Really?

And what exactly have you heard?

You would be stuck out here with a demented old lady?

No, not at all.

I'm not as bad as my son makes me out to be.

I assure you,

I may be stuck in this chair, but

my mind is sharper than you may think.

Come on, Mom. I didn't say anything about you.

Veronica really wanted to come. She was very excited to meet you.

She's going to love it out here.

Aren't you, Mrs. Gray?

Of course.

Absolutely.

Would you like to join us for lunch, Miss Gray?

I think the worst part of being bedridden all these years is eating Charles's food.

Come on...

It's not that bad.

I cannot wait until I am strong enough to cook again.

Charles, would you say grace, dear?

Of course.

Bless us, oh Lord.

And these gifts we’re about to receive from thy bounty in Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

So I take it you guys are Catholic?

What gave us away.

For the rosary around your neck?

The praying for the food.

Are you religious, Miss Gray?

I was raised Catholic, but I don't practice it.

It's Veronica, isn't it? - Yes, ma’am.

Do you mind if I call you by your first name?

No, not at all.

Where are you from, Veronica?

Criddick.

It's a very small town around 3 hours away.

There's probably more cows than people there.

Do you have anyone here in Mintown, family-wise?

Um, just my mom.

We lived with my uncle, but

he passed away not too long ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.

My condolences.

Thank you.

I really appreciate the opportunity, though.

That's right.

Charles mentioned that this is only temporary.

I understand.

It's a shame, though.

I really feel like we could get along.

I would love to have you here indefinitely.

How's the food?

It's great.

Thank you.

Um, I haven't had service since we got here.

You're not going to get any service anywhere around here.

We are in the middle of nowhere.

I was hoping I could call my mom.

You know, let her know I made it, and I'm safe.

I don't want her to get worried.

You know how parents can be.

Oh, you're more than welcome to use our phone, dear.

It's in the hallway right where you came in.

Hanging on the wall.

Thank you.

Your call has been forwarded

to an automatic voice message.

At the tone, please record your message.

Hey, Mom, it's me.

I just wanted to let you know

that I made it and I'm safe.

I know how worried you get when I don't call,

but I'll be at this number for the next few days.

If you need anything, you can just call me here.

Um, anyways, I'll talk to you soon.

I love you.

Were you able to call?

Sorry.

Didn't mean to startle you.

Were you able to call?

Yeah, it went to voicemail.

She must've been busy.

Mrs. Bloom is asking for you.

Of course.

Did you enjoy dinner, dear?

Yes. Thank you for having me.

You’re welcome.